Alejandra Rojas

"All materials have a language you can understand through touch."

Alejandra Rojas is an architect who leads her practice as a multidisciplinary studio to design at different scales. From a young age, she refused to wear her glasses, preferring to experience the world using the sense of touch. Her design approach is based on discovery through making. As she says: “I think with my hands." Alejandra’s design research philosophy explores the intricate patterns found in nature and conceptualizes them into digital algorithms to create tactile patterned ceramic sculptures and installations. Her designs are an invitation to experience a different way to see the world.

Alejandra’s design process begins by taking inspiration from stories, nature, and patterns. These ideas are sketched in smaller conceptual models and digitally conceptualized with mathematical algorithms. They first become tangible as prototypes through 3D printing. After the prototype aligns with the vision then a plaster mold is formed. The final pieces are then made in clay using traditional slip casting techniques and fired in a kiln. Each piece is hand glazed to create varying effects that emphasize the patterns to create beautiful geometric textures.

Alejandra studied architecture at the University of Waterloo in Canada. Upon graduation she completed a Master of Architecture and Urbanism in the Architectural Association School of Architecture in London, UK, with a specialization in computational design and fabrication. Shortly after she moved to NYC where she started taking local ceramic classes as well as online instruction from Ceramic Material Workshop. She is always looking to better understand the composition of clay and is constantly experimenting with her color palette with various glazing techniques.